The Big Row is an exciting event in which 100 crews from around the world will row 1,000,000 metres to raise £1,000,000. This will enable the charity Chauncy Maples Malawi Trust, supported by BLP's parent company Thomas Miller, to complete the renovation of Africa's oldest floating ship into a mobile clinic on Lake Malawi. MV Chauncy Maples will serve remote villages around Lake Malawi, where malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS are common and where currently some have to row 50 miles to visit a doctor.

Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said: ‘This innovative and ingenious project will provide remote communities with essential medical care. Thomas Miller and all the business-supporters of Chauncy Maples are making an important and extremely effective contribution – an excellent example of Corporate Social Responsibility. The Big Row will complete the Chauncy Maples fundraising project and I urge every robust rower to participate!’

Sir Matthew Pinsent, CBE, patron of the Big Row said: ‘We need to raise £1,000,000 to complete the renovation. So please dig deep to help the crews hit their target. If we pull together, we can make a big difference.’

Angela Rippon, OBE, patron of the Big Row said: ‘Chauncy Maples will provide vital healthcare for 200 hard-to-reach lakeside villagers a day, and sponsorship of The Big Row will help make that happen.’

Kim Vernau, CEO of BLP, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support this exciting event by entering our own team; a mix of fitness fanatics and some not quite so fanatical! There has been tremendous support already and we are looking forward to a great evening. The Big Row represents a fun way of competing for a great cause in one of the City's iconic landmarks.’